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Astronomy Alumni Weekend 2026
October 23–24, 2026
We're excited to welcome our alumni back to campus for a weekend that celebrates the people, research, and community that make UMass Astronomy special.
Whether you graduated a few years ago or several decades ago, Astronomy Alumni Weekend is an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and faculty, see what's new in the department, meet today's students, and celebrate the remarkable community we've built together.
Schedule
Schedule is subject to change.
Friday
Check-in & Coffee
Location: 2nd Floor Lobby, Integrative Learning Center
Graduate Student 3-Minute Research Talk Competition
Location: Room S240, Integrative Learning Center
Watch graduate students present their research in just three minutes! Alumni are invited to serve as judges and engage with the next generation of astronomy researchers.
Break/Judging/Informal Mingling
Cocktail Hour
Location: Marriott Center, 11th Floor, Campus Center
A relaxed opportunity to reconnect, network, and enjoy drinks before dinner. Cash bar available.
Dinner: UMass Astronomy Past, Present, and Future
Location: Marriott Center, 11th Floor, Campus Center
Enjoy a buffet meal followed by a welcome from the Department Head and remarks from the Dean. We'll also recognize the winners of our Graduate Student Three-Minute Research Competition, hear about the history of the department from Bill Irvine, and enjoy a special astronomy presentation.
Night Sky Observing: Astronomy is for Everyone
Location: Student Union North Lawn, near the pond
Weather permitting
Saturday
Astronomy Department Showcase
Location: All Purpose Room, Old Chapel
A light breakfast before a look at what’s happening now in UMass Astronomy. Explore current research and discoveries through presentations highlighting the innovative work taking place across the department.
Break
Alumni Career Panel & Speed Mentoring
Location: All Purpose Room, Old Chapel
Share your experiences and connect with students through career conversations, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Community Picnic
Location: Orchard Hill Pavilion
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon picnic with great food, conversation, and plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, as well as a chance for alumni, students, and faculty to connect in a casual setting.
Group Photo
Hotel Accommodations
Planning your stay? A limited number of rooms have been reserved for our Astronomy Alumni Weekend at Hotel UMass, conveniently located on the UMass Amherst campus.
- Use our hotel booking link to reserve your room.
- Book by September 24, 2026, or until the room block is full.
- Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We hope you'll join us this October as we celebrate the past, present, and future of UMass Astronomy!
Register now!
We look forward to welcoming you back to UMass Astronomy!
Interested in staying connected or receiving updates as plans develop? Join our UMass Astronomy Alumni LinkedIn group and follow us on Instagram to be part of the conversation with fellow alumni, faculty, and students.